Effectiveness and safety of auricular therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Auricular therapy (AT) has attracted significant interest as a potential treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AT in managing PCOS by analyzing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS: Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception until December 22, 2024. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize data from included studies using mean differences (MDs). This study was registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VBPSM).
RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis, which included 18 RCTs involving 1,231 patients with PCOS, found insufficient evidence to support the efficacy of AT as a stand-alone intervention for PCOS. However, AT used as an adjunct therapy exerted beneficial effects on PCOS outcomes. For AT combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula versus TCM formula alone, a reduction in body mass index (BMI) (MD: -0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.60 to -0.03, P = 0.04) was observed. Moreover, the reductions were associated with scores on the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) (MD: -3.81, 95% CI: -6.26 to -1.36, P = 0.002) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) (MD: -4.22, 95% CI: -7.74 to -0.69, P = 0.02). No…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,231 participants or records.
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